Monday, October 15, 2018

The utility of an over-sized Barbour...

15 comments:

All my Barbours are over-sized . It's necessary in temperate climates when you never know if a pullover ( thick or thin ) will be required . I know a few people who have two sizes of each ( for under-layering ) , so it looks more dashing , but that's a bit Carson Kressley for me !

The proper Barbour is, of course, oversized. Just as those in England who use them for hunting can attest, the extra mobility, flexibility, and versatility of a larger size is necessary. One could also say a larger size looks better, anyway. To each their own.

I dropped down a size, from my usual jacket size, when buying my new Bedale recently. It's big enough to wear with a jumper. Btw, there are a few British stores that are currently selling classic Barbour jackets with over 25% off and I couldn't resist the temptation.

I bought my Beaufort 25 years ago, big enough to cover a sweater and light down vest. Have rewaxed the shoulders myself half a dozen times. Now it only covers a shirt, no sweater, let alone a vest. Amazing how much it has shrunk. (insert wink)

My Beaufort arrived by HRM diplomatic pouch from Jolly Olde (it's a long story) over 40 years' ago, and like Dave's it has mysteriously varied in size since then. I've never used the ragweed-yellow lining, as it's perfect worn over a light sweater or fleece vest.

Got my Border for over over 60% off at a traveling Orvis warehouse sale. It's a 52, I'm a 48 but I wouldn't have anything smaller. It's great over a tweed sportcoat, bulky sweater or just a shirt: I don't see the point in a coat of this type being form fitting.

I happily went one size up with my Barbour Bedale. Though they are cut quite loose in any event and I could have gotten away with my normal size, I particularly like the look of the a loosely fitting Barbour jacket and I love the utility of being able to bulk up and layer in cold weather. I can easily wear a T shirt, a fleecy Barbour shirt a sweater and a light gilet under the top layer if I need to.